Join us for an enchanting evening of music and reflection at the Be Still Concert featuring Audrey Assad, Kate Lamont, Aisea Taimani, and our very own Keith Watts on Saturday, May 11th at All Souls Episcopal Parish in Berkeley, CA. Experience the soulful journey of hope and healing through Audrey's latest EP, "Be Still," as these talented musicians delve into our collective stories and sacred moments together.

Save the date!
📅 Saturday, May 11th
⏰ 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM PDT
📍 All Souls Episcopal Parish 2220 Cedar Street Berkeley, CA 94709

If you'd like to meet early for dinner at 6 PM in Berkeley, contact Leah. Otherwise, we'll see you at the event! Don't miss this unforgettable evening of music and connection. Reserve your spot today! 🌟

(You can find more information and reserve your spot (suggested donation of $25) here!)

Join us for a special event featuring Cara Meredith, a writer, editor, and part-time minister. A former high school English teacher and nonprofit outreach director, she holds a master’s in theology and is author of The Color of Life (Zondervan) and the forthcoming Church Camp (Broadleaf). She and her family call East Oakland home.  

Join us on the first Sunday in April to hear Cara's inspiring insights and experiences as she leads us in a special teaching.

As we bid farewell to winter and welcome the blossoming beauty of spring, Haven Berkeley joyfully invites you to our Easter celebration! Join us as we commemorate the spirit of resurrection and renewal amidst the vibrant colors of the season.

This year's festivities promise to be unforgettable, filled with laughter, music, and cherished moments with loved ones. Mark your calendars for a special celebratory service followed by a delightful party on the grounds of Washington Elementary. Our morning begins with a heartwarming service at our regular time and place, 10:30 am - 12 pm, where we'll be joined by the talented Berkeley High Jazz combo, featuring our very own Haven-ite, Elliott Martens. Experience the fusion of traditional worship and lively jazz as their ensemble enriches our celebration.

After the service, the excitement continues outdoors with our Easter Celebration from 12 - 2 pm. Indulge in a potluck lunch shared amongst friends and neighbors, and don't miss the thrill of the Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 5th grade and younger.

To ensure every child's participation, we kindly request families to contribute 10 to 12 pre-filled eggs per child. While all eggs are welcome, we encourage non-sugary treats to promote healthier choices. Visitors to Haven are warmly welcomed to join in the egg hunt festivity!

The celebration wouldn't be complete without the harmonious melodies of live jazz from the Berkeley High jazz combo. Let their enchanting tunes serenade you as we revel in the spirit of Easter together.

If you'd like to contribute to our potluck lunch or volunteer to help make this day even more special, please sign up using the link below! Your support and involvement are deeply appreciated in creating an unforgettable Easter celebration for our community.

Come one, come all, and join us in embracing the joy of Easter at Haven Berkeley. Whether in person or via Zoom, we look forward to celebrating this meaningful day with you and your loved ones.

This effort is part of the global movement of Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimages happening in 18 countries and 145 cities. You can read more info about the global movement here.

Collectively, we will walk for 22 miles, the distance from Gaza City to Rafah (either all or in sections), walking with millions who have been displaced, fleeing their homes amid the ongoing violence.

The East Bay- Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage will take place on March 23rd, 2024. It will begin at 7:00 AM in Berkeley and end at 7:00 PM in Alameda, with various stops along the way. Our route, subject to minor change, may be viewed here. 

For more info about the East Bay event, use this link.

Full Event Info
📅 Date: Saturday, March 23rd
🕖 Total Time: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

The first leg will be from roughly 7 AM to 10 AM beginning at Cesar Chavez Park and ending at St. Columba. It will include an opening ceremony and then about 5 miles of walking through Berkeley. 

Berkeley Leg Info
🕖 Time: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
📍 Starting Point: Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley
📍 Ending Point: St. Columba

Our very own Ginny Prince will be representing Haven as the point person for the first leg of the walk. We encourage all interested members of our community to join Ginny during this time. However, you're welcome to walk for longer if you choose.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Ginny. Don't forget to wear your Haven T-shirts to represent our community during the pilgrimage. Feel free to invite friends and family of all faiths to participate in this meaningful event.  And bring water and wear sunscreen!

Let's come together in solidarity and support for peace.

Mark your calendars for an evening of soul-stirring worship and deep connection with the extraordinary Keith Watts! On Saturday, March 16th, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, prepare to be swept away by the mesmerizing melodies and spiritual inspiration that Keith brings to our Haven Berkeley community.

This isn't just another worship night; it's a journey of the spirit, a convergence of souls seeking connection, and a celebration of the divine. Keith's incredible talent will guide us through an experience that transcends the ordinary, leaving you uplifted and inspired.

You won't want to miss this unforgettable evening. Join us and let the music of your soul harmonize with Keith Watts on a night where we connect, celebrate, and find the sacred rhythm of our community.

Don't forget to register for the Pre-Worship Night Pizza (And Veggies!) Dinner from 6:20 PM to 6:50 PM in the entryway/lobby at Washington Elementary. Then, stick around for the uplifting music with Keith Watts starting at 7:00 PM. Use this link to register for the Pizza Dinner so we know how many to buy!

(NOTE: There will be no gathering the following day, Sunday, March 17th.)

We're honored to welcome Yu-Shuan Tarango-Sho, Founding Director of Sacred Roots, as our special guest speaker on February 18th. Yu-Shuan, a 1.5-generation Taiwanese American settler, brings a wealth of experience in anti-oppression facilitation, coaching, and spiritual accompaniment. As a proud advocate for non-institutional unlettered education, she has spent over 20 years building liberatory pedagogy centered on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Yu-Shuan's commitment to equity extends to her roles as a family engagement specialist, program developer, and consultant. Join us for this enriching event as we learn from her profound wisdom and transformative journey.

🗓️ Date: Sunday, February 18th

🕕 Time: 10:30am

📍 Location: Washington Elementary

Save the date!  On February 14th, immerse yourself in the reflective spirit of Ash Wednesday with our Zoom service at noon. This brief, half-hour service marks the commencement of Lent, providing an opportunity for shared observance.

Feel free to bring ashes however you may come by them, and after the service, we extend an optional half-hour for open prayer.  It's a moment to connect, contemplate, and embrace the significance of the season.

The Zoom details will be shared in the newsletter the week before the service.  Any questions?  Reach out to our Admin for assistance.

Let's embark on this Lenten journey together.

🗓️ Date & Time: February 14th, Noon
📍 Location: Zoom (Details in Newsletter)
🔥 BYOA (Bring Your Own Ashes)

Join us for a heartwarming Christmas Eve Service on Sunday, December 24th, at 6:30 PM. Located at the Berkeley Chinese Community Church, our festive gathering promises an hour or less of joyous celebration. Embrace the spirit of the season as we come together to hear the Christmas story, harmonize in carol singing, and illuminate the night with candles.

Following the service, revel in a brief in-person connection time featuring delightful cookies and cocoa. While we aim for a live and in-person experience, we're exploring the possibility of a hybrid virtual livestream, contingent on the WiFi availability at the center. Stay tuned for updates – if feasible, we'll bring the Christmas magic to you virtually. Don't miss this enchanting evening of community, carols, and candlelight!

Mark your calendars and be sure to join us on Sunday, December 17th, for our enchanting Christmas Pageant!

A Play Like No Other: This year's pageant will be truly unique. Our talented kids and youth are in the process of writing the script and will be performing their own heartwarming rendition of the Christmas story during the service. Be ready to be dazzled by their creativity and spirit. The show will be accompanied once again by a group of talented musicians from Berkeley High Jazz.

Feast and Festivities: After the pageant, it's time for our annual Christmas potluck and party. Bring your favorite dishes to share, and get ready for a delightful feast. And, of course, we can't forget the White Elephant Gift Exchange and Ornament Exchange – a chance to exchange fun and quirky gifts, spreading laughter and joy.

Children in Haven Kids will participate in an ornament exchange (please bring a wrapped ornament for each child).  Children in Haven Youth (sixth grade and above) and adults will participate in a White Elephant Gift Exchange. Please bring a wrapped White Elephant gift for each adult/tween. We are hoping for a mix of re-gifted/silly/unique gifts, as well as purchased or more traditionally appealing gifts (no more than $20, please). Keep that in mind while you are preparing, and feel free to ask Leah or our Admin any questions.

Special Note: Now is the time to sign up for a dish you'd like to contribute to the Potluck!  Please click on this link to choose how you'd like to participate.  If you have a dish in mind and are open to making an alternative version for those in our community with sensitivities or allergies, that would be a wonderful way to showcase your culinary skills and express care for your fellow community members.  We have a few members who are gluten and/or dairy-intolerant, so feel free to test your skills and try a new recipe for the party!

We also have a handful of random tasks following the service to help the party get started as quickly and smoothly as possible!  Please check out this link to sign up for anything you're willing to help with!

Mark your calendars for a joyous Advent Sunday on December 10th! Join us from 10:30 AM to 12 PM as we come together for a special Connection Sunday filled with heartwarming festivities.

What to Expect:

• Pageant Prep: Dive into the excitement of the upcoming pageant as we prepare and rehearse for this magical event.  This could include costume design, prop assembly, or maybe a sneak peek behind the scenes into rehearsal!

• Crafting: Unleash your creativity with festive crafting activities that will add a touch of wonder to our celebration.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, create, and share in the spirit of the season. Invite your friends and family to join us in this festive gathering.

Stay tuned for more details, and let's make this Advent Sunday a time of joy, unity, and anticipation!

Mark your calendars for an evening of soul-stirring worship and deep connection with the extraordinary Keith Watts! On Saturday, November 18th, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, prepare to be swept away by the mesmerizing melodies and spiritual inspiration that Keith brings to our Haven Berkeley community.

This isn't just another worship night; it's a journey of the spirit, a convergence of souls seeking connection, and a celebration of the divine. Keith's incredible talent will guide us through an experience that transcends the ordinary, leaving you uplifted and inspired.

You won't want to miss this unforgettable evening. Join us and let the music of your soul harmonize with Keith Watts on a night where we connect, celebrate, and find the sacred rhythm of our community.

(NOTE: There will be no gathering the following day, Sunday, November 19th.)

Calling all Queer, Trans, and LGBTQ+ identifying humans looking for community here at Haven! You are invited to a community gathering to connect, have some fun, eat some food, and spend time with one another in a safe, LGBTQ+ space.

On August 19 at 3pm, we will be gathering at Alisa’s home in Fremont. Feel free to bring a light snack (cookies, chips, veggies, etc) to share with the group. Please RSVP to Alisa no later than August 13.

Join us for a delightful Connection Sunday Park Picnic at the scenic Dolores Park in San Francisco! On Sunday, July 9, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, we'll gather in front of the playground for a fun-filled morning of community, connection, and delicious treats. Whether you choose to bring your own snacks or join others in grabbing delectable treats from the nearby Tartine bakery, it's bound to be a delightful culinary adventure.

Bring your favorite picnic blanket, some outdoor games if you'd like, and let's enjoy the beauty of nature while nourishing our souls with connection and good company.

We can't wait to see you at Dolores Park on Sunday, July 9, at 10:30 AM. Let's make this a memorable Connection Sunday as we embrace the joy of summer, share delightful treats, and bask in the warmth of our community. Mark your calendars, pack your snacks, and get ready for a fantastic day of connection and laughter!

Join us for a captivating Connection Sunday event here on June 11th from 10:30 AM to 12 PM.  Experience the art of quilting while immersing yourself in the inspiring documentary "Frisbee: The Life and Death of a Hippie Preacher.”  Witness the final assembly of our AIDS Memorial quilt as we delve into the extraordinary life of Lonnie Frisbee, a charismatic preacher from the 1960s counterculture movement. Discover the untold stories and profound impact of this enigmatic figure who bridged the gap between faith and the hippie culture.  Don't miss this opportunity to connect, reflect, and be inspired.

To learn more about the documentary, check out the video description here.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Throughout the spring, and finishing in June as part of Pride Month, Haven will be working on creating a panel to be submitted to the National AIDS Memorial Quilt in honor of Lonnie Frisbee. Lonnie was one of the catalytic leaders of the Jesus Movement that is part of the heritage of communities like Haven. He also appeared in the recent film Jesus Revolution.

If you are interested in learning more about this project and helping discuss the vision and design for it, you're invited to a Zoom meeting from 7:30 - 9 pm on Sunday, 4/23. Folks with design and/or sewing experience would be particularly helpful, but all are welcome. 

If you would like to join, you’ll find the Zoom link in our weekly newsletter, or you can contact Leah or our Admin for more information.